Passive encasement zipper containment system

ABSTRACT

A device is disclosed that provides parasite, dust mite and allergen protection for an encasement used for a mattress or foundation. The device can be part of the original encasement or added as an after-market item to a conventional encasement to prevent the egress of parasites, dust mites and allergens from the gap between the zipper slide and the zipper stop and prevent movement of the zipper slide when the zipper is completely zipped up. The device includes a at least one compressible material that is used. The compressible material is compressed to seal the gap and prevent movement of the zipper slide. In one embodiment of the invention, the device allows the mattress or foundation within the encasement to breathe while blocking parasites, dust mites and allergens from escaping from within the encasement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a zipper containment system and moreparticularly to a zipper containment system for use on an encasement fora mattress to prevent the egress of bed bugs, parasites, dust mites andallergens from a zipper that is in a closed position.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Encasements are known to be used as a prophylactic cover over a mattressor box spring to provide protection from various situations, such asparasites, dust mites, allergens and stains, for example, pet stains andstains from incontinent children and adults. As used herein, the termencasement refers to mattress encasements and box spring encasementsindividually and collectively. Examples of such encasements aredisclosed in US patent application Publication Nos.: US 2012/0260426; US2012/0255120; 2012/0192356; 2012/0167302; and 2011/00100856 as well asU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,087,111 and 8,156,588, all hereinafter incorporated byreference.

Such encasements are known to have an opening along one or more sides toenable the encasements to be installed over a mattress or box spring. Azipper is used to close the opening. Unfortunately, even when the zipperis fully closed or zipped up, a small gap exists between the zipperslide and the zipper stop. This gap is normally of sufficient size toallow for the egress of parasites, dust mites and allergens.

In order to prevent the egress of such parasites, dust mites andallergens in encasements, various containment techniques have beendeveloped. For example, US Patent Application No. US 2013/0326820 A1discloses an encasement, which includes a zipper for enabling a mattressor box spring to be sapped into said encasement. In order to preventparasites, dust mites and allergens from egressing through zipperopening, a foam pad is stitched to the underside of the encasementadjacent the zipper stop so as to cover a portion of the zipper, thezipper slide and the gap.

There are several problems with the technique discussed above. Forexample, extra materials and labor are required thus making theencasement relatively expensive to manufacture. In addition, this devicerelies on a relatively snug fit between the encasement and the mattressso that the mattress compresses the foam against the encasement to sealthe gap. As such, the efficacy of the device depends on the relative fitbetween the encasement and the mattress. Unfortunately, encasements comein all different sizes. If the encasement does not provide a snug fitand compress the foam, the device will be ineffective in preventing theegress of parasites, dust mites and allergens.

In order to solve this problem, other techniques have been developedwhich eliminate the need for a foam pad and the problems associated withit. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,087,111, discloses the use of a flapfor covering the zipper slide, the zipper stop and a portion of thezipper. The flap does not provide a positive seal against the zippertape. As such, even with the flap in a closed position, an exit pathexists along the zipper tape allowing parasites and dust mites to escapefrom the encasement.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,400,731 discloses a mattress encasement, which includesa flap that covers the zipper as well as the zipper slide, zipper stopsand the gap. The flap merely covers the gap but does not seal againstit. As such, this device allows the egress of parasites, allergens, anddust mites, both into and out of the gap.

Another problem with the devices discussed above is that the containmentsystems discussed above is that they are currently available only asoriginal equipment devices. Thus, manufacturers must make two differenttypes of encasements; one with a containment system and one without acontainment system. As such, these encasements are more expensive tomanufacture because of the additional manufacturing process steps toinclude a parasite proof allergen encasement. Moreover, consumers thatown a mattress encasement without a parasite, allergen, and dust miteproof zipper enclosure then must purchase a new encasement with suchzipper enclosure protection in order to add parasite protection, whichis an added expense for the consumer.

Thus, there is a need for an encasement that can provide a positivecompression seal of the gap between the zipper slide and the zipper stopindependent of the fit between the mattress and the encasement, as wellas a containment system that can be installed as an aftermarket deviceon an existing encasement to add protection from the egress ofparasites, dust mites and allergens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention relates to a device that providesparasite, dust mite and allergen protection for an encasement used for amattress or foundation. The device can be part of an original encasementwithout parasite protection or added as an after-market item to convertsuch an encasement to one that will provide protection against theegress of parasites, dust mites and prevent movement of the zipperslide. The device includes at least one compressible material that isused to close the gap. The compressible material is compressed to sealthe gap and the zipper slide to prevent movement of the zipper slide andto prevent the egress of parasites, dust mites and allergens from insidethe encasement. In one embodiment of the invention, the containmentdevice is configured with an air flow communication path to allow themattress or foundation within the encasement to breathe while blockingparasites, dust mites and allergens from escaping from within theencasement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

These and other advantages of the present invention will be readilyunderstood with reference to the following specification and attacheddrawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional zipper shown partially unzippedwhich identifies the parts of the zipper that will be used herein.

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric drawing of a mattress or foundationdisposed within an encasement illustrating the zipper as illustrated inFIG. 1 partially unzipped.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 shown with the zipper slider in a closedposition

FIG. 4 is a partial expanded view of FIG. 3 with the zipper slider in aclosed position illustrating the gap between the zipper slider and theencasement.

FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional view of one embodiment of the device inaccordance with the present invention disposed adjacent to an encasementand zipper pull.

FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the device in accordance with the presentinvention in a sealed position.

FIG. 7 a-7 c are partial views illustrating various embodiments of thecontainment device used to close and seal the gap between the zipperslide and the zipper stop, illustrating various embodiments of thecompressible material; shown from the outside of the encasement withoutthe outside compressible pad and compression device.

FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. 5illustrating the compression device including a hollow spindle forreceiving a filter, such as a HEPA filter.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in a sealed position,which includes a compressible pad on the inside and the outside of theencasement.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 but illustrating only a compressible pad onthe inside of the encasement.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 9 but illustrating only a compressible pad onthe outside of the encasement.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate alternative zipper designs used onconventional encasements which incorporate two zipper pulls.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of thecontainment system that does not incorporate a compressible pad.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14 but illustrating a hollow threadedspindle.

FIG. 16 is a partial isometric elevational view of a mattress with anencasement illustrating and air vent hole.

FIG. 17 a is a partial sectional view in elevation illustrating aclosure system for the vent hole illustrated in FIG. 16 illustratingcompressible foam pads on the inside and the outside of the encasement.

FIG. 17 b is similar to FIG. 17 a but illustrating a closure system witha compressible pad only on the inside of the encasement.

FIG. 17 c is similar to FIG. 17 a illustrating a closure system with acompressible pad only on the outside of the encasement.

FIG. 17 d is similar to FIG. 17 a illustrating a closure system with nocompressible pads.

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a closure system for closing a vent hole inan encasement, as illustrated in FIG. 16, which includes a hollowspindle for allowing air within the encasement to escape.

FIG. 19 is an alternate embodiment of the closure system illustrated inFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view in elevation of the closure systemillustrated in FIG. 19 in a fully closed position.

FIG. 21 is a plan view in elevation of the closure system with theclosure system illustrated in FIG. 20 with the compressible pad and thehandle outside the encasement removed showing the inside compressiblepad in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a containment device that providesparasite, dust mite and allergen protection for an encasement used for amattress or foundation and prevents movement of the zipper slide. Thecontainment device can be part of the original encasement or added as anafter-market item to a conventional encasement to prevent the egress ofparasites, dust mites and allergens from the gap between the zipperslide and the zipper stop when the zipper is completely zipped up andprevent movement of the zipper slide. The containment device includes atleast one compressible material that is compressed, as discussed below,in order to seal or close the gap and prevent movement of the zipperslide. In one embodiment of the invention, the containment deviceincludes an air flow communication path to allow the mattress orfoundation within the encasement to breathe while blocking parasites,dust mites and allergens from escaping from within the encasement.

Encasements are prophylactic covers used to protect mattresses andfoundations from stains and to prevent the egress of parasites, dustmites and allergens. In order to insert a mattress or foundation into anencasement, one or more sides of the encasement are zippered to enablethe side(s) to opened up to receive the mattress or foundation. Once themattress or foundation is properly within the encasement, the zipperedside(s) is zippered in order to close the side(s) around the mattress,hereinafter identified as a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates an encasement 20, which illustrates a zipper,generally identified with the reference numeral 22, in a partially openposition in which a portion of the zipper, referred to herein as azipper slide and identified with the reference numeral 24, is spacedaway from a zipper stop 26. As shown in FIG. 2, an open portion of thezipper 22, identified with the reference numeral 28, is exposed to themattress or foundation 30. Even after the zipper slide 24 is placed in aclosed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a gap 32 still exists.This gap 32 allows the egress of parasites, dust mites and allergens instandard encasements. In order to obtain protection from such parasites,dust mites and allergens, consumers must purchase encasements that aredesigned to provide protection from such parasites, dust mites andallergens.

The device in accordance with the present invention positively seals thegap mentioned above between the zipper slide and the zipper stop whenthe zipper is in a closed position to prevent the egress of parasites,dust mites and allergens. In its simplest form the present inventionincludes at least one compressible material or pad and a compressionmechanism. The compressible material is placed over the gap and thezipper slide. The compression mechanism compresses the compressiblematerial or pad thus sealing the gap to prevent the egress of parasites,dust mites and allergens and prevent movement of the zipper slide.

Both elastic and nonelastic compressible materials are contemplated forthe compressible material or coatings. As used herein, elastic materialsrefer to a type of compressible materials that can be compressed butreturn back to the original position when the compression force isremoved. An example of such an elastic material is memory foam, siliconeand silicone gel, rubber, Dunlop or talalay foam, rubber or latex,Sorbothane, Santoprene™ rubber or thermoplastics, elastic or non-elasticgel, impact or shock gel, polyurethane gel, gel foam, high or lowdensity viscoelastic polyurethane memory foam (otherwise known aslow-resilience polyurethane foam), open cell memory foam or sponge,closed cell foam, neoprene, isoprene, polychloroprene, or materials oflike characteristic(s). Elastic materials can be used in re-usableapplications.

Non-elastic materials or coatings are defined herein to refer tomaterials that do not return to their original position when thecompression force is removed. An example of such a non-elasticcompressible material is felt, cotton batting or padding, wool, nylon,polyester, polypropylene, syrofoam, high-density polyurethane.Non-elastic materials can be used in non-reusable applications.Moreover, non-compressible materials or coatings are also contemplated.

In addition, various embodiments of the invention, as discussed below,contemplate a compression device without additional compressible ornon-compressible materials. In these embodiments the containment systemmerely provides a containment around the gap and zipper slide but doesnot seal the gap. This containment, though, allows allergens, dustmites, and parasites to escape through the gap, yet these parasites aretrapped within the perimeter of the containment. In yet otherembodiments, different materials can be used on the inside and outsideof the encasement for sealing the gap and containing the zipper slide.

Various embodiments of the containment device are contemplated. Forexample, FIGS. 5-9 and 12 illustrate embodiments in which thecompressible materials or pads are disposed on both sides of the gap. Inother words, an inside pad covers the gap and zipper slide from theinside of the encasement and an outside pad covers the gap and zipperslide on the outside of the encasement. In this embodiment, acompression mechanism compresses the inside and outside pads togetherover the gap and the zipper slide, providing a relatively tight andcontinuous seal relative to the gap and preventing movement of thezipper slide. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate embodiments in which onecompressible pad is disposed either on the inside or the outside of theencasement. In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which thecompressible pad is disposed on both the inside and outside of theencasement, while FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which thecompressible pad is disposed outside of the encasement. In theseembodiments in FIGS. 10 and 11, the compressible material is disposed onone side of the gap and compressed between the bearing surfaces of thecompression mechanism on the inside and outside of the encasement.

The containment device in accordance with the present invention isamenable to be used with encasements with a single zipper slide thatopens on at least one of four sides of the encasement. The containmentdevice is also amenable to being used on encasements with more than onezipper slide, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b. FIG. 13 aillustrates a zipper that circumscribes the entire encasement in asingle horizontal plane. FIG. 13 b is similar but the zipper is in apseudo spiral configuration so that the zipper stops are in differenthorizontal planes.

In FIG. 13 a, the spindle portion of the containment device is disposedbetween and contains the two zipper slides. In FIG. 13 b, the spindleportion of the containment device is installed in the gap between onezipper slide and its corresponding zipper stop. The containment deviceis sized to cover both gaps and zipper slides.

Various shapes and sizes are contemplated for the compressible material.FIGS. 5-8 illustrate the compressible material formed as a disc. Othershapes are contemplated, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 a-7 c.The compressible material need only be sized to cover the gap and aportion of the encasement so that the compressible pad seals to theencasement adjacent the gap, as generally shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another aspect of the invention. In theseembodiments, the compression mechanism includes a hollow spindle or tubethat provides an air flow communication path between the inside of theencasement and the outside of the encasement. This configuration allowsthe mattress or foundation to “breathe” even though the mattress isencased. As such, when weight is applied to the mattress for example dueto a person sitting or lying on a bed, air is expelled by way of the airflow communication path. Conversely when the weight is removed, aft maybe sucked into the encasement.

In order to prevent the egress of parasites, dust mites and allergensduring this breathing process, at least one filter or membrane, forexample, a HEPA filter is disposed in the air flow communication path.The filter should have a mesh size selected to prevent the egress ofparasites, dust mites and allergens outside of the encasement.

Various compression mechanisms are contemplated. FIGS. 5, 6 and 8-12illustrate compression mechanisms that include a threaded spindle. Othercompression mechanisms are also contemplated. For example, bayonetmechanisms are also contemplated. Such compression mechanisms need onlyprovide a compression force that compresses the one or more compressiblematerials to the surface of the encasement.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary embodiment of the invention isillustrated. In this embodiment the compression mechanism includes ahandle assembly, generally identified with the reference numeral 36 anda backing portion, generally identified with the reference numeral 38,and a first compressible disk 39 outside of the encasement 34 and asecond compressible disk 41 inside the encasement 34.

The handle assembly 36 includes a handle, for example, a round handleand an extending threaded stud 42. The backing plate assembly 38includes a plate portion 44 with an extending bushing, or spindle,portion 46. The bushing portion 46 is tapped to match the threads on theextending stud portion 42. The handle portion 40 may be formed with aradial ring portion 48 along the outside diameter. The inner diameter ofthe ring portion 48 may be sized to be slightly larger than the outsidediameter of a disk 39. The first and second disks 39 and 41 are providedwith aligned through holes 46 and 48.

In order to install the device, the zipper 22 (FIG. 1) is opened enoughto allow the backing plate 38 and the optional inside pad 41 to beinserted inside of the encasement 34. The tapped bushing portion 46 isinserted into the through hole 48 of the inner pad 41 and disposedadjacent the closed zipper stop 26 (FIG. 2). The threaded stud 42 on thehandle portion 36 is disposed in the through hole 46 of the outer pad39. The threaded stud portion 42 is screwed into the tapped bushingportion 46. The zipper slide 24 (FIG. 4) is zipped as close as possibleto the zipper stop 26. The device is situated to cover the gap 32. Thedevice is held in place from the outside by pressing the inner disk 41and the backing plate 44 while the handle 36 is tightened.Alternatively, an optional foam, gel, rubber, adhesive, or rubberbacking 50 may be disposed on the back of the backing plate 38 forhelping hold the backing plate 38 in place during installation.

In an alternate embodiment, a pocket (not shown) may be attached to theinside of the encasement, adjacent the zipper stop. The pocket may beused for holding the inner disk 41 and the backing plate duringinstallation of the containment device.

FIG. 6 illustrates another alternate embodiment using foam or gelinstead of a compressible pad. This embodiment is similar to FIG. 5except foam, identified with the reference numerals 50 and 52, may bedisposed on one or both sides of the gap 32 (FIG. 7 a). Exemplarymaterials for the foam 50, 52 are as discussed above. In thisembodiment, the foam is disposed on the backing plate 38 and the handle36 before installation, as shown in FIG. 6. The balance of theinstallation process is as described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment in FIG. 5 but includes an airflow communication path between the inside and outside of theencasement. The containment device includes a backing plate 60, that isdisposed inside the encasement 34, a handle 68 disposed outside of theencasement 34 and at least one of an inner compressible pad 70 and anouter compressible pad 72, similar to the compressible pads 39, 41 (FIG.5). These compressible pads 70 and 72 are formed with through holes 74and 76, respectively, for receiving a hollow spindle 64, as discussedbelow.

The backing plate 60 includes a plate portion 62 and an extendingspindle portion 64 that is threaded on the outside. A through hole 66extends through the spindle portion 64 and forms the air flowcommunication path.

The handle 68 is formed from a plate or disk and includes a threadedthrough hole 78 for receiving the threaded spindle 64.

One or more membranes or filters can be disposed in the air flowcommunication path to prevent the egress of parasites, dust mites andallergens. These membranes and filters 80 and 82 (FIG. 8) are asdiscussed above.

In lieu of the membranes and filters 80 and 82 (FIG. 8) the air flowcommunication path may be closed with a transparent material forming alooking glass. The looking glass may be used for visual inspection ofparasites. Parasite bait may be disposed inside the looking glass toattract parasites to facilitate inspection.

The various handles 36 and 68 as well as the backing plates 38 and 60may be made from various materials. For example, these components can beformed from various thermoplastic materials or thermoset, including PVCand STC, Polypropylene, very high-density polyurethane, silicone, andmade by conventional injection molding techniques. Other materialsinclude hard silicone or vulcanized rubber, metal or material of similarhardness.

FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to alternate embodiments of the containmentsystem. In these embodiments, the gap 30 and zipper slide 24 arecontained within a periphery defined by the containment system. In otherwords, the gap is not sealed nor is the zipper slide prevented frommovement. Rather, the containment system provides a peripheral barrieraround the area of the gap and the zipper slide. As such, in theseembodiments, parasites, dust mites, and allergens can escape through thegap; however, they will be contained within the interior barrier formedby the containment system.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a containment system, whichincludes a handle 90 and an extending spindle 92, and a backing plate 94with a threaded bore. The spindle portion 92 is inserted into the gap 30and screwed into an interior threaded formed in the backing plate 94. Asshown in FIG. 14, the handle portion 90 is formed with a peripheral ringportion, generally identified with the reference numeral 96. When thehandle portion 90 is fully threaded into the threaded bore of thebacking plate 94, the ring portion 96 of the handle 90 compresses theencasement against the backing plate 94 forming a barrier around thespace immediately adjacent the gap or zipper slide.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14 but includes a hollow threaded spindleportion 98 which extends from the backing plate portion 100. In thisembodiment, the handle portion 102 includes a threaded bore forreceiving the threaded spindle 98. The hollow spindle portion 98provides an air flow communication path from the inside of theencasement to the outside of the encasement. One end of the hollowspindle 98 may be closed with a membrane or an air filter, such as aHEPA filter 104. in this embodiment, the handle portion 102 is similarlyformed with a peripheral ring portion 106 which compresses theencasement against the backing plate 100 in order to form a barrieraround the gap 30 and the zipper slide 24.

FIGS. 16 to 21 relate to closure device for sealing optional air ventsin an encasement. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a conventional encasementis illustrated with an air vent disposed along one panel of theencasement. The purpose of the air vent is to allow the inside of theencasement to “breathe”. This is important in releasing stagnant air inthe encasement. More importantly, the air vent allows the air within theencasement to be released when the encasement is being folded to placedinto a storage bag, suitcase, or container.

Various embodiments of the closure device are contemplated. Theseembodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 17 a-21. Referring first to FIG.18, this embodiment includes a backing plate 120, one or more optionalcompressible materials 122, 124 and a handle 126. In this embodiment,the backing plate 120 is formed with a hollow threaded spindle portion128. The handle portion 126 is formed with a threaded bore 130. Each ofthe compressible materials 122, 124 include an aligned through hole. Atleast one filter, such as a HEPA type filter 132, may be installed inthe air flow communication path, defined by the hollow spindle 128. Inthis embodiment, the threaded spindle 128 is received into the throughhole of the optional compressible material 122 and into the vent hole134. A second optional compressible material 124 with its through holeis received onto the threaded spindle 128. The handle 126 is threadedonto the threaded spindle 128 in order to compress the optionalcompressible materials 122, 124 relative to the vent hole 124.

In alternate embodiments that do not include the compressible materials122, 124, the handle 126 may be formed with a peripheral ring portion136. In this embodiment the handle 126 is tightened against the backingportion 120 in order to compress the encasement against the backingplate portion 120.

Referring to FIG. 19, the closure device illustrated in this embodimentincludes a handle portion 140 with an extending threaded stud 142, abacking plate portion 144 with an extending bushing having an interiorthreaded bore 146, and one or more optional compressible materials 148,150. In this embodiment, each of the compressible material 148, 150 havethrough holes for receiving the extending bushing on the backing plate.Alternatively, the closure device can be used to form a peripheralbarrier around the vent hole 134 without the compressible materials 148,150. In such an embodiment, the handle portion 140 is formed with aperipheral ring portion 152. In this embodiment, when the handle portion140 is tightened against the backing plate 144, the peripheral ringportion 152 on the handle portion 140 compresses the encasement againstthe backing plate 144, thus forming a barrier around the vent hole 134.

FIGS. 17 a-17 d illustrate alternate embodiments of the invention. FIG.17 a illustrates an embodiment in which compressible materials aredisposed on the inside and outside of the encasement. FIG. 17 billustrates and embodiment in which a compressible material is onlydisposed on the inside of the encasement. FIG. 17 c is similar to 17 band illustrates an embodiment in which a compressible material is onlydisposed on the outside of the encasement. FIG. 17 d illustrates andembodiment that does not incorporate compressible materials.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrates a fully assembled closure device. As shownin this embodiment, the threaded spindle 142 of the handle 140 isreceived into the vent hole 134 and tightened against the backing plate144. When the handle portion 140 is fully tightened against the backingplate 144 the compressible materials 148, 150 are compressed. Theperipheral ring portion 152 also causes the compression of theencasement between the two compressible materials 148, 150.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. Various types ofcompression devices are contemplated, such as wing nuts, compressiondevices with offset spindles, other types of mechanisms for attachingthe outside handle or equivalent to the inside backing plate, such asbutton switches, detent, ratchet systems, and other types of conventionmechanisms. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of theappended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described above.

I claim:
 1. A method for protecting a mattress or foundation fromparasites, dust mites and allergens which is encased in a conventionalencasement having a zipper which includes a zipper slide and a zipperstop and forms a gap between the zipper slide and the zipper stop whenthe zipper is at a fully closed position, the method comprising the stepof: securing an aftermarket device to a conventional encasement in orderto seal the gap between the zipper slide and the zipper stop.